Premiership teams join the race for Loach

By Nathan Jackson
February 16 2006

Youth team goalkeeper, Scott Loach has been offered a pro-contract by the Imps but is attracing interest from Premiership clubs. Earlier in the season, Loach was being scouted by Liverpool and whilst the Merseysiders are still interested, Blackburn, Bolton, Villa and Derby joining the race.

Loach has put in several impressive performances for the youth team this season and he has attracted interest from all corners and Liverpool are currently leading the race to sign the young goalkeeper after watching him 7 times this season. If Liverpool did make a move for the youngster, it would be the second time in a year that they've raided Sincil Bank after signing Jack Hobbs during the summer.

However, Liverpool will have to beat off competition to sign Loach as both Blackburn and Derby have confirmed their interest. Also believed to be tracking Scott are Bolton Wanderers and Aston Villa, two clubs who have been heavily linked with Imps' players in the past.

Keith Alexander confirmed that there is interest in Loach. ""It doesn't surprise me. A few clubs have looked at him. He's six foot four and he's top drawer. But we've offered him a professional contract and we want to keep him here."

If Loach did join one of the clubs mentioned, it is likely that the Imps would put a clause in there saying that the buying club would have to have a friendly at Sincil Bank in the summer. City already have a friendly with Liverpool in the summer thanks to the Hobbs deal and another home game against a Premiership side would be very welcome.